Testimonials - Synergy 1

Synergy First Choice for BBC World Service

Stephen Furness
Duty Operations Manager
BBC World Service
London, England

Why Ross?
BBC World Service is the world's leading international broadcaster with a reputation for excellent radio and online services in 33 languages including English. In recent years there have been shifts in the way media is consumed around the world and the organization is increasingly using television and video content to reach its global audience of 183 million. It became apparent we needed a high quality and cost effective vision mixing facility to deliver exceptional visual content. We wanted to install it in a new state-of-the-art studio area and I was charged with finding a solution.

I'd seen the Ross Synergy 1 a year earlier at IBC and added it to our list of potential products. Having explored all the options thoroughly, spoken to colleagues in television and compared products and prices, I proposed we purchase this one and it was agreed. Ross' UK representative Trevor Bilcock was very helpful, providing a high level of support, including invaluable training, which ensured staff could maximize all the abilities of the desk.

What does the Studio do?
Everything from interviews with leading political figures to a live Persian pop show! It is quite a small area, crewed entirely from existing BBC resources and equipped with cameras, an editing area and a gallery.

Who am I?
I've worked for BBC World Service for 16 years in a variety of roles. I am currently a Duty Operations Manager, responsible for all of world service radio and TV output. In addition, I am also working on the launch of two new TV channels. I started my career as a trainee studio manager and over the last 16 years have worked on a number of complex projects including the technical installation of international bureau in Albania, Moldova, Romania and many projects within Bush House.